Formation mechanism of high-altitude glacial mineral water in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibetan Plateau: Insights from isotopes and hydrochemistry

Wang, Liwei; Xiao, Yong; Yang, Hongjie; Zhang, Yuqing; Wang, Shengbin; Qi, Zexue; Han, Jibin; Hu, Wenxu; Wang, Jie; Hao, Qichen; Senapthi, Venkatramanan

doi:10.1016/j.ejrh.2024.101789

Cited by 6 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 49 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The chemical composition of these mineral waters is mainly controlled by the water-silicates interaction and cation exchange. The isotopic (δ 2 H and δ 18 O) signatures of the mineral (spring) waters and surface waters are similar to those of glacial waters, indicating a common origin for these waters [8]. The conceptual hydrogeological model proposed by [8] is an excellent contribution to future studies aimed at assessing natural glacial mineral waters in alpine regions around the world.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…Although ascribed to different hydrogeological background (clastic and carbonate rocks) and topographic conditions, the recent work developed by [8] presents a similar methodology to that of this case study-Ladeira de Envendos hydromineral system. It is a regional study where the authors, based on hydrogeochemical and isotopic data (δ 2 H, δ 18 O and 3 H), describe the origin, underground flow paths and water-rock interaction processes associated with natural glacial mineral waters occurring on the Tibetan Plateau (alpine region) [8]. These natural glacial mineral waters belong to the HCO 3 -Na-Ca-type, with total dissolved solids between 384-964 mg/L [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…It is an Na-HCO 3 natural mineral water, hyposaline (total mineralization 44 mg/L), rich in SiO 2 (53% of total mineralization), and pH 5. 8. It discharges at a temperature of 29.4 • C. The recharge zones of this hydromineral system are the quartzite ridges at altitudes between 400-600 m a.s.l.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is a regional study where the authors, based on hydrogeochemical and isotopic data (δ 2 H, δ 18 O and 3 H), describe the origin, underground flow paths and water-rock interaction processes associated with natural glacial mineral waters occurring on the Tibetan Plateau (alpine region) [8]. These natural glacial mineral waters belong to the HCO 3 -Na-Ca-type, with total dissolved solids between 384-964 mg/L [8]. According to [8], these waters (i) result from the glacial melting in a mountainous area with an altitude of more than 4500 m a.s.l., (ii) infiltrate in the geological formations, (iii) are ascribed to an underground flow path with a residence time of about 52 years, and (iv) emerge through major faults.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These natural glacial mineral waters belong to the HCO 3 -Na-Ca-type, with total dissolved solids between 384-964 mg/L [8]. According to [8], these waters (i) result from the glacial melting in a mountainous area with an altitude of more than 4500 m a.s.l., (ii) infiltrate in the geological formations, (iii) are ascribed to an underground flow path with a residence time of about 52 years, and (iv) emerge through major faults. The chemical composition of these mineral waters is mainly controlled by the water-silicates interaction and cation exchange.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

Marques,

Carreira,

Caçador

et al. 2024

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The aim of this paper is to describe the surveys performed in order to update the interpretive conceptual circulation model of the Ladeira de Envendos hyposaline hydromineral system (Central Portugal). The geology of the Ladeira de Envendos region is strongly controlled by the Amêndoa-Carvoeiro synform, of Ordovician-Silurian age, presenting continuous and aligned quartzite ridges on the NE flank, that form the basic structure of a set of inselbergs. The physico-chemical analysis of the Ladeira de Envendos natural mineral spring and borehole waters was provided by the Super Bock Group Enterprise (Concessionaire of the Ladeira de Envendos). Furthermore, two sampling campaigns took place to increase knowledge on the isotopic composition of the studied natural mineral waters. The stable (δ2H, δ18O) isotopic data indicate that local meteoric waters infiltrate around 400 m altitude and evolve to the natural mineral waters (of Cl-Na facies) through a NW–SE underground flow path ascribed to the highly fractured and permeable quartzite rocks. From recharge to discharge, the infiltrated meteoric waters acquire silica (±9 mg/L) due to water–quartzite rock interaction. These natural mineral waters emerge at temperatures around 21 °C, being the up flow of these waters controlled by the rock fractures and local faults. The natural mineral waters mean residence time range between 25 and 40 years, as indicated by the 3H content of these waters, enhancing an active recharge of this hydromineral system. The results obtained indicate existence of three hydrogeological subsystems, ascribed to three inselbergs, with similar groundwater circulation paths. These multi and interdisciplinary studies should be seen as an important contribution to the sustainable management of this type of natural mineral water resources.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

Marques,

Carreira,

Caçador

et al. 2024

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Hydrogeochemical features, genesis, and quality appraisal of confined groundwater in a typical large sedimentary plain

Zhang,

Xiao,

Yang

et al. 2024

Water Environment Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The confined groundwater of arid sedimentary plains has been disturbed by long‐term anthropogenic extraction, and its hydrochemical quality is required for sustainable development. The present research investigates the hydrochemical characteristics, formation, potential health threats, and quality suitability of the confined groundwater in the central North China Plain. Results show that the confined groundwater has a slightly alkaline nature in the study area, predominantly dominated by fresh‐soft Cl‐Na and HCO3‐Na types. Water chemistry is governed by water–rock interactions, including dissolution of evaporites and cation exchange. Approximately 97% of the sampled confined groundwaters exceed the prescribed standard for F−. It is mainly due to geological factors such as mineral dissolution, cation exchange, and competitive adsorption of HCO3− and may also be released from compacted soils because of groundwater extraction. Enriched F− in the confined groundwater can pose an intermediate and higher non‐carcinogenic risk to more than 90% of the population. It poses the greatest health threat to the population in the north‐eastern part of the study area, especially to infants and children. For sustainable development, the long‐term use of confined groundwater for irrigation in the area should be avoided, and attention should also be paid to the potential soil salinization and infiltration risks. In the study area, 97% of the confined groundwaters are found to be excellent or good quality for domestic purposes based on Entropy‐weighted Water Quality Index. However, the non‐carcinogenic health risk caused by high contents of F− cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is recommended that differential water supplies should be implemented according to the spatial heterogeneity of confined groundwater quality to ensure the scientific and rational use of groundwater resources.Practitioner Points The hydrochemistry quality of confined groundwater in an arid sedimentary plain disturbed by long‐term anthropogenic extraction was investigated. The suitability of confined groundwater for multiple purposes such as irrigation and drinking were evaluated. The hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of confined groundwater under the influence of multiple factors were revealed.

show abstract

Deciphering pollution sources and mechanisms controlling groundwater chemistry in a typical dense agricultural plain on Yungui Plateau

Wang,

Xiao,

Wang

et al. 2024

Water Environment Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Groundwater is a critical resource for economic growth and livelihoods in the dense agricultural plains of plateaus. However, contaminations from various sources pose significant threats to groundwater quality. Understanding the sources of groundwater contamination and the mechanisms of hydrochemical control is essential for the sustainable development of agriculturally intensive plains. This research utilizes 23 datasets of groundwater chemical measurements to apply hierarchical clustering analysis, positive matrix factorization, and hydrochemical analysis techniques. Through these methods, the study identifies the sources of groundwater contamination and deciphers the hydrochemical control mechanisms within a representative intensive agricultural plain region of Yungui Plateau. The finds indicate that groundwater in the plain primarily derives from the rainfall occurred in the surrounding mountains. During the long underground flow process, groundwater undergoes water–rock interactions and ion exchanges with various lithological strata, resulting in the formation of distinct hydrochemical types. As it traverses regions influenced by human activities, groundwater encounters varying levels and types of contamination. Consequently, there is a notable variation in groundwater quality across different areas of the plain. Groundwater is dominated by the hydrochemical faces of HCO3‐Ca type in the southern part of the plain. Groundwater in the piedmont region of this part exhibits the highest quality, acting as the baseline for the overall groundwater quality of the plain. Groundwater in agricultural areas of this part is severely polluted by nitrate‐rich agricultural wastewater. In the central urban area, under the control of municipal wastewater discharge and denitrification, groundwater is to some extent polluted by NH4+. In the northern sector of the plain, groundwater chemistry exhibits greater diversity due to variations in geological strata and exposure to a range of pollution sources. The majority of the regions are contaminated with SO42− and Cl− and present a predominance of Cl‐Na type for groundwater hydrochemical facies. Groundwater at the northernmost end is polluted by NO2−, NH4+, and P. In addition, there is also a small amount of groundwater near the lake that is heavily polluted by fertilizers. This study provides valuable insights for the development of sound groundwater management strategies, applicable not only to the current agricultural plain but also to analogous regions worldwide.Practitioner Points This study probed the impact of agricultural pollution on the groundwater hydrochemistry in a cultivated plain. The research pinpointed the origins and contributions of groundwater chemicals in the cultivated agricultural plain. A conceptual model was established to illustrate groundwater chemistry formation in an intensive agricultural irrigation plain on Yungui Plateau.

show abstract

Formation mechanism of high-altitude glacial mineral water in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibetan Plateau: Insights from isotopes and hydrochemistry

Cited by 6 publications

References 49 publications

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

Hydrogeochemical features, genesis, and quality appraisal of confined groundwater in a typical large sedimentary plain

Deciphering pollution sources and mechanisms controlling groundwater chemistry in a typical dense agricultural plain on Yungui Plateau

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About